Solihull planners have declined permission to convert a three-bedroom property in Castle Bromwich into a care home for children.
Junaid Butt submitted an application to Solihull Council seeking a certificate of lawful development to change the use of a home on Relient Close, near Castlewood School, into a care facility for two children.
According to the applicant’s statement, submitted in February, the home was intended to accommodate a maximum of two children aged between seven and 17 years old.
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The statement detailed that each child would receive one-to-one support from a support worker, with no more than two staff members on shift at any time. Two bedrooms would be used by the children; staff members would not live at the property but would be on duty at night to meet the children’s needs.
“Children cared for at this property would be identified by the local authority as requiring residential placement for various reasons,” the statement explained.
It was argued that the change of use would not materially affect the living conditions of nearby residents and that the proposed use was suitable within the residential area.
Had the certificate been approved, it would have confirmed the change as lawful for planning purposes and protected the property from future enforcement action.
However, on 28 August, Mark Andrews, head of planning, design and engagement services, issued a decision refusing to certify the application’s legality.
The decision notice stated: “Whilst supporting information has been submitted regarding the proposed operation of the premises, insufficient evidence has been provided concerning the detailed operational characteristics of the use, and how the occupants would function as a single household receiving care.”
“The local planning authority is therefore not satisfied that the proposal would avoid constituting a material change of use requiring planning permission.”
As a result of the refusal, the applicant must submit a full planning application should they wish to pursue the proposal. The council’s planning portal currently shows no such application has been made.
The full decision can be viewed by searching for application PL/2026/00389/CLOPUD on the Solihull Council planning website at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.